For treatment of iron deficiency and prevention of concomitant Folic acid deficiency in adults. For maintenance of maternal haematopoiesis during pregnancy particularly when diet is abnormal or substandard.
Iron & Vitamin Combined preparations
Iron is an essential constituent of the body being necessary for haemoglobin formation and for the oxidative processes of living tissues. Iron salts should only be given for the treatment and as prophylaxis of Iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemias are most often the result of chronic haemorrhage, nutritional deficiency, pregnancy or parasite infestation or malabsorption of iron.
A deficiency of Folic acid typically during pregnancy has long been known to cause a megaloblastic anaemia. The vitamin is not storable in the body and the combination of fetal demand during pregnancy and malnutrition can lead to a deficiency, hence anaemia. It has been observed that the rapid production of red blood cells following treatment with iron may deplete body folate if there is inadequate intake; combination of folic acid and ferrous fumerate avoids the complication. Iron and Folic acid are absorbed in the proximal small intestine particularly the duodenum. Ferrous Fumerate & Folic acid supplements replenish iron deficiency. Thereby arresting the anaemia process. Absorbed iron is taken upto the bone marrow's tissues that form blood cells where it is used to synthesize haemoglobin.
In anaemia: The usual dose is one tablet or capsule daily. In severe or refractory iron deficiency anaemia: The usual dose is one tablet or capsule twice daily may be given. In Pregnancy, it is recommended that the dose should be started at the first antenatal consultation and continued until 3 months after delivery.
The absorption of iron salts and tetracycline is diminished when they are taken concomitantly by mouth. If treatment with both drug is required, the iron salt should be administered 3 hours before or 2 hours after the tetracycline. The absorption of iron salts is also decreased in the presence of antacids or when taken with tea. Iron salts appear to reduce the effects of penicillamine. Co-trimoxazole may inhibit megaloblastic haemopoiesis. Serum anticonvulsant levels may be reduced by administration of folate.
This is contraindicated in patients with pernicious anaemia and anaemia other than those due to iron deficiency. The nature and causes of anaemia should be established. Absorption of Ferrous Fumerate & Folic acid is inhibited by Magnesium trisillicate and Antacid containing carbonate. Administration of Ferrous Fumerate & Folic acid during the first trimester of pregnancy may be undesirable. Very few pregnant women are not protected by physiological doses of Folic acid. If anaemia is developed despite prophylaxis with Ferrous Fumerate & Folic acid, patients should be investigated further. Some postgastrectomy patients show poor absorption of iron. Care is needed when treating patients with peptic ulcer.
Gastric distress, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, allergic reaction.
There is no contraindication in pregnancy and lactation.
Patients who have taken an overdose should have gastric lavage performed, if possible within four hours of the overdosage occurring. In addition patients should have such symptomatic treatment as appears necessary. In order to eliminate excess free iron, a chelating agent such as desferrioxamine should be administered as soon as possible. Giving milk and/or 5% solution of sodium bicarbonate by mouth will be helpful in the meantime.
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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